Emergency response to severe weather

St John Ambulance volunteers were called into action at 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday 19 November) to provide emergency support to the communities of Cumbria.

Throughout the night the leading first aid charity has helped members of the public affected by the heavy floodwaters by supporting the North West Ambulance Service and providing dozens of volunteers to staff rest centres including those in Keswick and Cockermouth.

Colin Hendry, Commissioner Operations for St John Ambulance said: 'St John Ambulance has provided dozens of volunteers and vehicles in a bid to help people struck by the disaster. We've set up many rest centres for those evacuated from their homes and have also been supporting the emergency services by answering emergency calls and assisting with patient transfers and evacuations.

'The driving conditions have been incredibly challenging; we've had to battle through flooded terrain to reach those in need which is where our 4x4 vehicles have proved invaluable. We will continue to provide 24 hour support for as long as the communities of Cumbria need us.'

St John Ambulance responds to hundreds of local incidents and major accidents each year, including the heavy floods of 2007 and 2008. When the country is in crisis, or a community is in need of urgent care, St John Ambulance is there to help. Whatever the emergency may be, we provide a rapid and effective response nationwide, supporting the statutory services in the most difficult situations and providing vital, immediate aid to those most in need.